Abstract: A method for avoiding rapid or sudden image rotation or reversal in a gravity leveled endoscopic imaging system is disclosed. A mathematical neighborhood of a singular viewing configuration is defined and within this neighborhood the endoscopic image orientation follows specified rules.

Abstract: A method for presenting an indicator of the upright orientation of an endoscopic image. An electronic rotation pick-up means is fixed to the housing of an endoscope. The electronic rotation pick-up means produces signals indicating rotations of the endoscope. A microprocessor uses these signals to calculate the difference between the upright image orientation and the actual image orientation. The calculation includes factors to account for endoscope roll, endoscope pitch, and endoscope viewing direction. The upright indicator is displayed on a video display device along with the endoscopic image.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for configuring a variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising a graphical user interface and an endoscope having a view controlling device for moving the view vector between predefined, discrete view vector positions. The graphical user interface displays a set of these view vector positions, and the view vector is moved from one of these positions directly to another in response to a command from a user via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising an endoscope shaft, an objective optical system disposed in the distal end of the shaft that defines a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a viewing window located in the distal end of the shaft through which the view vector scans over a range of different view vector directions when moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A portion of the distal section of the endoscope shaft adjacent and proximal to the viewing window has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and at least two regions within the cross section are connectable by a straight line that does not lie within or on the boundary of the cross section. In certain embodiments, cross section comprises at least two disjoint closed sets of points.

Abstract: A flexible variable direction of view endoscope with a pivotable view vector and a rotatable distal section.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying endoscopic images that includes three-dimensional surfaces, variable viewing points, directions, and orientations. A computer receives a captured endoscopic image. A virtual surface is defined in the computer with the captured image textured onto the virtual surface. A virtual viewing point, virtual viewing direction, and virtual viewing orientation are defined relative to the virtual surface. A rendered image of the virtual surface is then created. The rendered image is displayed to the user. Video is displayed on the virtual surface by updating the image texture with each new frame.

Abstract: A optical system for a viewing instrument with a variable direction of view is disclosed generally comprising shaft, first and second reflectors located at the distal end of the shaft, where the first reflector rotates about an axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and an entrance pupil positioned in the optical path created by the reflectors and preceding the reflecting surface of the second reflector. In certain embodiments, the entrance pupil comprises an aperture stop positioned between the first and second reflectors. In some embodiments, the system includes negative and positive lenses located adjacent the entrance and exit faces of the first reflector.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in for presenting an endoscopic image in an upright orientation. An electronic rotation pick-up means is fixed to the housing of an endoscope. The electronic rotation pick-up means produces signals indicating rotations of the endoscope. A microprocessor uses these signals to calculate a necessary amount of rotational correction for the endoscopic view orientation. The calculation includes factors to account for endoscope roll, endoscope pitch, and endoscope viewing direction. An image rotator rotates the endoscopic image by the calculated correction amount. The rotated image is displayed on a video display device.

Abstract: An interface for a variable direction of view endoscope having an input device for receiving commands from the user, an output device for adjusting the endoscope, and an electronic processing device to determine the appropriate output based on the given input. The processing device may be configured to allow operation assisting features including a coordinate system aligned with the current view, a coordinate system aligned with the user's surroundings, a coordinate system aligned with the operating cavity, a memory to facilitate the immediate return to a user selected direction of view, and a clear indication of the current direction of view.